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Characterization of defects in mono‐like silicon for photovoltaic applications using X‐ray Bragg diffraction imaging
Author(s) -
Tsoutsouva M. G.,
Oliveira V. A.,
Baruchel J.,
Camel D.,
Marie B.,
Lafford T. A.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of applied crystallography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.429
H-Index - 162
ISSN - 1600-5767
DOI - 10.1107/s1600576715004926
Subject(s) - materials science , silicon , diffraction , optics , angular resolution (graph drawing) , characterization (materials science) , x ray , synchrotron , projection (relational algebra) , bragg's law , synchrotron radiation , optoelectronics , nanotechnology , physics , computer science , mathematics , algorithm , combinatorics
Rocking curve imaging (projection and section X‐ray topography) has been used to study the generation and propagation of defects at the junctions between and above the seed crystals in mono‐like silicon ingots. The images of different kinds of defects such as precipitates, dislocations and twins in the integrated intensity, full width at half‐maximum and peak position maps resulting from the experiment have been studied. The qualitative and quantitative information that can be extracted from these maps, in particular the contrast of the images of the various defects, is discussed. These defects have a detrimental effect on solar cell efficiency and their detailed investigation allows clues to be obtained in order to improve the growth process. This work shows that synchrotron X‐ray diffraction imaging techniques, because of their high angular resolution (<10 −4 °) and large field of view (several mm 2 ), constitute a powerful tool for investigating the initial stages of growth of directionally solidified mono‐like silicon.